"An honour" - Israel Folau set for international return as five players confirm nations switch

byRugby Rucker

Israel Folau is targeting a Rugby World Cup return with TONGA after being sounded out by head coach Toutai Kefu.

"Representing your heritage and where you're from, representing your parents is something that is quite close to not only myself but to many other Polynesians,' said Folau.

"It would be a huge honour if I got the opportunity. We'll see if that opportunity comes about but I'd love to put the Tongan jersey on and represent Tonga."

Below, we look at five players who've already revealed they're ready swap nations with immediate effect.

#1. Julian Savea (New Zealand to Samoa)

Current number of caps: 54
Last cap: July, 2017
Did you know? Savea is nicknamed "The Bus", a moniker bestowed by under-20s coach Dave Rennie

#2. Nathan Hughes (England to Fiji)

Current number of caps: 20
Last cap: March, 2019
Did you know? His uncle, Asaeli Hughes, is a former dual international having represented Fiji in both basketball and 15s rugby

The number eight was unlucky not to be included in Eddie Jones' squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. The number eight, who has impressed for Bristol Bears this season, would be a stellar addition to the Fiji pack. The Flying Fijians don't play again until next summer with the Bristol powerhouse free to play for them from March.

#3. Charles Piutau (New Zealand to Tonga)

Current number of caps: 17
Last cap: July, 2015
Did you know? Piutau was born in New Zealand, from Tongan parents. He grew up on the Auckland suburb of Mangere and attended Wesley College

#4. Steve Luatua (New Zealand to Samoa)

Current number of caps: 15
Last cap: November, 2016
Did you know? Luatua was a member of the New Zealand under 20 team which won the 2010 and 2011 IRB Junior World Championship

Bristol Bears player Steven Luatua during the warm up before the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Leicester Tigers and Bristol Bears at Welford Road on June 5th - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK